NAAHP Blog

Celebrating the Success of the 10th Annual NAAHP Conference: Unleashing Our Collective Power

The National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) recently celebrated a significant milestone with its 10th Annual Conference, held from November 7th to 9th, 2024, at the Courtland Grand Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Themed “Unleash Our Power! Creating a New Paradigm for Professional Excellence in the Haitian Diaspora and Mobilizing for Dignified Leadership Strategies in Haiti,” the event brought together professionals, thought leaders, and advocates dedicated to the advancement of the Haitian community.

A Platform for Unity and Progress

The NAAHP Conference has long served as a vital platform for the Haitian diaspora, fostering engagement, collaboration, and strategic planning to strengthen communities in the United States and contribute to Haiti’s development. In today’s rapidly evolving world, such a unified national voice is essential to amplify the diaspora’s influence and develop sustainable solutions for Haiti’s future. Without this platform, the community risks fragmentation, which could hinder efforts to address the needs of both the diaspora and Haiti. NAAHP bridges this gap by uniting thought leaders, professionals, and advocates to pave the way for economic empowerment, professional excellence, and meaningful development.

Highlights from the Conference

This year’s conference featured a dynamic lineup of plenary sessions and breakout discussions addressing critical topics such as economic recovery, entrepreneurship, education, and leadership. Notable sessions included:

• “The Future of Work: Adapting to Changing Trends and Technologies”
  Moderated by Nita Saint-Hilaire, Founder of Qii Labs, Solcité Dev Group, and Tchovi Foundation, this session featured speakers like Bruno Surpris, MBA, PMP, Cloud Customer Engineer at Google LLC, and M. Hans Delly, Managing Director and Global Leader at Slalom. They discussed how professionals can adapt to evolving work environments and technological advancements.
• “A New Blueprint to Advance Public Safety, Security, and Economic Opportunity in Haiti”
  Moderated by Fritz M. Clairvil, CEO of Vest Net Capital Holdings Group, this session featured speakers like Col. (Ret.) Dr. Joseph Baptiste, Chairman of International Outreach, Scientific Exchanges & Trade Development Committee, and Major General (Ret.) Arnold Fields, United States Marine Corps. They discussed innovative strategies to enhance public safety and economic opportunities in Haiti.

• “Breaking Barriers and Shattering Glass Ceilings”
  Moderated by Doris Jean Pierre, MBA, SHRM-SCP, People & Culture/HR Consultant at The Proactive Approach, LLC, this session included insights from Guirlaine Ritha Belizaire, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Development Guild DDI, and Watson Escarment, Founder and Executive Director of Samaritan’s Heart Foundation. The discussion focused on overcoming obstacles and achieving leadership roles within various industries.
• “Financial Mastery: Navigating Investing, Retirement Planning, and Wealth Building”
  Led by Gabrielle Rene, Founder of Grene Enterprises Tax and Financial Planning, and Nita Saint-Hilaire, this session provided attendees with strategies for effective financial management and long-term wealth accumulation.

• “Federal Advocacy Insights”
  Moderated by Johanna Leblanc, Partner at Adomi Advisory Group PLLC, this session provided attendees with a deeper understanding of federal advocacy processes and how they can be leveraged to support Haitian interests.

• “Mentorship as a Catalyst for Success”
  Moderated by Princess J. Charles, Advocate and Public Speaker, this session featured speakers like Dr. Betty Fortunat, Bestselling Author and Certified Business Coach, and Greg Maurice, Head of Acquisition for Black Cinema at Filmhub. They emphasized the importance of mentorship in professional development.

• “Mental Health Panel Discussion: Navigating Wellness in Today’s World”
  This panel addressed the importance of mental health within the Haitian community, offering insights into maintaining wellness amidst contemporary challenges.

• “National Conference & Constitutional Reform: Challenges & Opportunities”
  Moderated by Saurel Quettan, Founder & CEO of exeQfit, Inc., this session included insights from Chantal Auguste, Founder of Movement of Love for Haiti (MLHA), and Kim Allonce, Ph.D., a community-engaged researcher. The discussion focused on the complexities and prospects of constitutional reform in Haiti.

These sessions underscored the diaspora’s potential as a powerful force for change in both the U.S. and Haiti.

Distinguished Speakers

The conference was honored to host esteemed speakers, including:

• Eddy Benoit, Jr., Founder and CEO of The Benoit Group, who shared his journey in real estate development and strategies for economic empowerment within the Haitian community.
• Guerline M. Jozef, Founder and Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, who addressed human rights advocacy and the importance of supporting Haitian migrants.
• Jacques M. Jean, Founder and CEO of TechFides, who discussed technological innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities for the diaspora.
• Ludwidg “Lu Lu” Louizaire, Miss Georgia 2024, who shared her experiences in pageantry and advocacy for Haitian culture.
• Philippe Bayard, President and Founder of Sunrise Airways, who discussed the role of aviation in connecting Haiti with the world and fostering economic development.
• The Honorable Dotie Joseph, State Representative for Florida House District 108, who highlighted the importance of political representation and legislative advocacy for the Haitian community.
• Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins, Ambassador of the United States to Haiti, who shared insights on U.S.-Haiti relations and the role of the diaspora in fostering diplomatic ties.
• Ambassador Gandy Thomas, Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS), who discussed Haiti’s position within the international community and the importance of diaspora engagement.
• Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, Executive Director of Haiti National Trust and Société Audubon Haiti, who spoke on environmental conservation efforts and the diaspora’s role in preserving Haiti’s natural heritage.

Their contributions provided valuable perspectives on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the Haitian community.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the conference’s success, it’s crucial to recognize the ongoing work required to strengthen the Haitian diaspora and enhance its contributions to Haiti. Sustained effort and collaboration are key to building a community that thrives in the U.S. while driving meaningful impact in Haiti.

We invite all participants to share their feedback through our Feedback Survey to help us continue improving and tailoring future experiences to your needs and aspirations.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in NAAHP’s mission. Together, we are not just participants—we are changemakers, building a brighter future for the Haitian diaspora and Haiti itself.

With immense gratitude,